CU Rise – Three Year Degree Programs

Concord University’s Three-Year accelerated programs take advantage of a student’s extensive prior learning credits and integration of course content across the curriculum. The program makes it possible for students to obtain a university degree in just three years and either enter the workforce with practical skills, or continue into a graduate or professional school, a year early. We achieve this through one or more of the following: a structured, yet flexible curriculum, hands-on training on advanced instrumentation, business and research internships, and access to programs centered on the development of soft skills.

Apply Now

Apply for admission to Concord University and choose CU Rise in response to the “What are you interested in studying?” question on the application. A committee will evaluate your application materials and notify you of their decision by March 1.

3

Years to BA/BS Degree

3 + 1

BA/BS + MBA Degrees

25%

Cost Savings

GRE / MCAT

Test Prep Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

General CU Rise Questions

CU Rise Three-Year Degree Options

  • Biology (Biomedical Sciences emphasis)
  • Biology (Organismal and Field emphasis)
  • Biology (Pre-PA or PT emphasis)
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry (concentrating in Biochemistry or Professional Chemistry)
  • Chemistry (concentrating in Pre-Pharmacy or Clinical Lab Science)
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Geosciences (concentrating in Public Health, Society and Environment)
  • Health Sciences (Pre-Professional Studies)
  • Psychology (Pre-Professional track)
  • Sociology
  • Sociology (Criminology track)

CU RISE 3+1 Degree Options

  • Management
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Sport Management
  • Hospitality Management

Compared to a 4 year degree, 3 year degree programs give you the opportunity to graduate a year early, which could be a 25% cost-savings. This is achieved by taking advantage of a student’s prior earned college credits and/or taking 3-6 credits in the summer to obtain the 120 credits required for graduation.

Students admitted to CU Rise will be provided with:

  • Opportunities and resources to help secure mentorship/research opportunities
  • Professional standardized testing (MCAT, PCAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) training
  • Opportunities to tour graduate/professional schools and attend fairs

Medical schools generally evaluate student applications in areas such as:

  • Academic competence,
  • Shadowing experience,
  • Community service,
  • Research/mentorship experience.

As a result, the CU Rise program addresses all these things by:

  • Ensuring that each student will earn the same number of credits required for graduation (120 credits) as a 4-year degree student,
  • Providing opportunities and resources to help secure shadowing/mentorship/research opportunities,
  • Providing professional standardized testing (MCAT, PCAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) training, and
  • Opportunities to tour graduate/professional schools and attend fairs.

Students will be provided opportunities and resources to help secure shadowing/mentorship/research opportunities, offered professional standardized testing (MCAT, PCAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.) training, and opportunities to tour graduate/professional schools and attend fairs.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Questions

  • For federal aid, such as the Pell Grant, SEOG, and student loans, those awards can be used for Fall, Spring, and Summer if the student has not utilized their annual limit and funding remains.
  • Concord academic scholarships can only be used during the Fall and Spring semesters. Additionally, academic scholarships are awarded assuming a student will require 4 years to graduate. If a student graduates early or is part of a 3-year track, they will only utilize the scholarships for the number of semesters needed to fulfill graduation requirements.
  • Students receiving the Promise Scholarship will only be utilizing the scholarship for the number of semesters needed to fulfill graduation requirements or up to 8 semesters. Students will be able to utilize Promise during the Summer semesters if they meet the criteria set forth on the cfwv.com website. To be considered for Summer Promise, students must complete a Summer Promise application. Please keep in mind that a semester of Summer Promise utilizes one of the 8 semesters of awards.
  • All other grants/scholarships can only be utilized in the Fall and Spring semesters.

What Our CU Rise Scholars Are Saying

Two CU RISE graduates wearing their caps, gowns, and CU RISE stoles

“My biggest reason for joining the CU Rise program was to accelerate through college to achieve my goal of attending medical school. If you know what you want, this program will help prepare you for your career choice and give you opportunities to grow as a student, person, and as a professional. Having the opportunity to be a part of what the CU Rise program offers is a huge honor and accomplishment.”

“I took dual enrollment courses in high school.”

“I want to finish my degree faster to start grad school sooner. Also, I hope to make friends with other like-minded people in the group.”

“I decided to enroll in the CU Rise program to continue my involvement in the Concord University community and further prepare for medical school as the organization provides many opportunities and perks that are pertinent to my desired career path.”

“I chose to enroll in the CU Rise program because the course curriculums aligned with my field of interest and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to grab the accelerated program that will help me expand and complete my education one year earlier and faster.”

“Learning about how helpful the program is toward preparing students for the next step after Concord.”

“I decided to enroll in the CU rise program to learn more about graduate schools, opportunities, and connect with other academics like myself.”

“I am wanting to fast track and get as much school finished as fast as possible.”